Larvicides

What You Need to Know About Larvicides

Larvicides are a type of insecticide used to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors around your home. They work by killing mosquito larvae and pupae before they can grow into biting adults. When used according to product label instructions, larvicides do not harm people, pets, or the environment.

Select a larvicide

Larvicides come in many forms:

• Liquids
• Tablets
• Bits
• Pellets
• Granules
• Briquettes

Apply larvicides where mosquitoes lay eggs

Use larvicides where mosquitoes lay eggs to help reduce the number of mosquitoes in an area. Mosquitoes lay eggs in items that hold water:

• Buckets and rain barrels
• Fountains
• Gutters or downspouts
• Non-chlorinated swimming pools
• Pool covers that collect water
• Tires
• Tree holes

Treat standing water

Use larvicides to treat standing water that:

• Will not be used for drinking
• Cannot be covered, dumped, or removed

When using larvicides

Follow the instructions on the label. Do not apply more than directed or reapply more often than instructed.

Prefer to hire a pest control professional?

Hire a pest control professional to treat your yard and outdoor areas. The National Pest Management Association offers tips on finding a pest control professionalexternal icon.

Information on insecticides and health

• The Environmental Protection Agency oversees the registration of these chemicals.
• The National Pesticide Information Centerexternal icon (NPIC) provides information online or through a toll-free number, 1-800-858-7378.